HIGHLAND BEACH, FL Asbed B. Zakarian, 83, of Highland Beach, FL,
formerly of Paxton, MA, son of the late Hapet and Yougaper Zakarian,
passed away peacefully on August 8, 2008.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret. In
addition to Margaret, Asbed is survived by his sister, Berjoohie
Zakarian, Worcester; sister-in-law, Shamiram Jamgochian and her husband
Hagop of Bloomfield, CT; niece, Melanie Samsel and husband James of
Grafton; nephew, James Jamgochian and wife Marilynn of Milford, CT;
niece, Susan Atamian and husband Ed of Shrewsbury; grandchildren,
Cristina Feden and husband Jeff; Elizabeth Beck and husband Ray; Lauren
Fletcher and husband Eddy; Richard Jamgochian; Ross Atamian; Kirk
Atamian; and great-granddaughter, Aubrey Feden.

Asbed was a graduate of Commerce High School and Worcester Junior
College, where he received an Associate Degree in Mechanical
Engineering.

He enlisted in the US Army and served from 1943-1946 in World War
II. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for Gallantry in Action as well
as the Purple Heart for Bravery.

Asbed was a loyal member of the 32nd Degree Shriner, the Worcester
Art Museum, Worcester Music, Montacute Masonic Lodge-AF & AM,
Worcester County Sheriff's Department, International Wire
Association and the Worcester Economic Club.

As an active member of the Armenian community, he received the
Saint Nerses Shorhali Medal, the Diocesan Man of the Year Award, and the
Saint Gregory Medal and Encyclical, which is the highest honor bestowed
upon a lay person. Asbed proudly served as a board member of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and Saint Nerses Seminary. He
was a Diocesan member of the Armenian Church, a life Trustee member of
the Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian Heritage in Boston.
He was a member of the Knights of Vartan and served as commander. He was
passionately involved with his Church, The Armenian Church of Our
Saviour in Worcester, of which he was a lifelong member. He was
baptized, raised and married in the Church. He was a member of the
Cultural Center Building Committee, New England Regional Council,
Vice-Chairman of the Men's Club and served for 12 years on the
Parish Council, 4 of those years as its chairman.

In 1955, Asbed founded Wirefab, Inc. in Worcester, MA. As CEO,
"Mr. Z" oversaw the company's development into a major
worldwide supplier of wire products.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, listening and dancing to
good music, traveling, playing cards and social gatherings with his many
friends.

Mr. Zakarian's funeral will be held Tuesday, August 12 at
11:00 AM at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St.,
Worcester. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate will
preside. Calling hours are at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour Monday,
August 11 between 4:00 and 7:00 PM. Funeral arrangements are being
handled by Nordgren Memorial Chapel, Worcester, MA 01605, (508)852-2161.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of
Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.

ART: PHOTO

COPYRIGHT 2008 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.